The only declared candidate for the 29th Congressional District seat left vacant by Eric Massa, Reed said the district needs representation in Washington, D.C.

The problem would be the cost. He said during a conference call Wednesday that a special election would cost around $700,000.

“Obviously I’m concerned and aware of the cost,” Reed said. “That is the expense of government that will ensure we have a voice on important issues such as health care.”

It was recently revealed that Massa will get to keep $643,973 of his $1 million in campaign money from 2009, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Reed said that money should be used to help with the cost of a special election.

“Why should we absorb the cost? He’s the one who caused the special election. He should be the one who pays for it,” Reed said. “I call on him to donate that money to the county boards of elections to offset the cost.”

The former Corning mayor, like everyone else, is waiting to hear if Paterson will even hold a special election before November.

Reed said if one is held, his strategy won’t change much, other than having less time to work with.

“Obviously, if a special election is called, we’re looking at a 30- to 40-day window. We have less time and have to do more with that precious time,” Reed said.

While the Democratic chairs in the district are still vetting candidates, Reed said he now has the support of all eight Republican Party chairs in the 29th. He said he met with Maggie Brooks, Monroe County executive, and she threw her support behind Reed.

He also has the support of the Monroe County Conservative Committee and Chemung County Conservative Party.

“We’re confident we’ll have both the Conservative and Republican lines,” Reed said.

Reed said he won’t play D.C.’s “games.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Republican, Independent, Conservative, Working Family, whatever the political trick is, I don’t stand for it,” Reed said. “I’m tired of it. Stand up and vote the way you’re going to vote, yea or nay, and be accountable for it. I’m not about politics as usual. I’m not playing a game.”

He reiterated his plea for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to hold off on a health care vote until the 29th, and other House of Representative seats in Florida, Hawaii and Pennsylvania, are filled.

He acknowledged that Pelosi might not care about a Republican Congressional candidate for the 29th.

“I hope she cares about the 2.5 million people, Americans, that are unrepresented right now,” Reed said.

Page 2 of 2 - Reed also announced that he signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to oppose any increase in the marginal income tax rates for individuals or businesses. The pledge also opposes any reduction or elimination of deductions and credits unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.

“We need to encourage people to use the money they’ve earned. We need to encourage small business owners. Individuals must be rewarded for their entrepreneurial spirit. That’s what’s made America great.”

Reed hopes the pledge can reform D.C. and, much like families, put them on a fixed budget.

“It’s going to be a hard road, but it will fundamentally force us once and for all to make the decisions that have to be made to balance our budget,” Reed said.